Novozymes and two departments at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) - the Department of Chemical Engineering and BioCentrum-DTU - have joined forces to set up the Novozymes Bioprocess Academy . The main purpose is to enhance chemical engineering research and the education of graduates and researchers in the biotechnological field.
Visit DTU’s website and see available PhD fellowships in the academy advertised on DTU's job website.
Industrial enzymes represent a main business area for Novozymes, however enzymes for the production of pharmaceuticals and microorganisms for environmental protection are of increasing importance for Novozymes. All three business areas draw on knowledge of both biology and chemical engineering. Novozymes and DTU see a major scientific challenge in developing new chemical engineering methods in order to optimise biotechnological production processes.
Originally eight grants were included in the academy. However, in 2005 it was agreed to prolong the collaboration for another five years. By that time 18 candidates will have graduated thanks to the academy with a Ph.D. degree within the field of protein processing and product design.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation has approved financing of a professorship at DTU. The professor act as head of the academy. This position has until June 2006 been filled with Professor John Villadsen. After his retirement Professor Anne Meyer, DTU has taken over as head of the academy. The main task of the professor is to continue the development of the education and the creation of a strong international research environment within the area of Biochemical Engineering.